Projection apparatus



July 8, 1941- s. s. AucHlNcLoss ETAL 2,248,052v

PROJECTION APPARATUS Filed June 20, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY July 8, 1941- s. s. AucHlNcLoss mm. 2,248,052

PROJECTION APPARATUS Filed June 20, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 furf M 67/ a; f7? 55 lr03 @f-L *45 7/ i3 ATTORNEY Patented July 8, 1941 y Samuel S. Auchincloss, Darien,

Conn., and

Clarence A. Woodruff, Westfield, N. J assignors to New York Quotation Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application June 20, 1939, Serial No. 280,050

4 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in projection apparatus and more particularly relates to apparatus for projecting on a screen the indicia printed on a tape by stock quotation tickers and other printing telegraph apparatus.

Stock quotation projectors, of which-there are many diferent types, commonly include a light source and a lens between which is passed a tape from the ticker. The images of the indicia on the tape are projected onto a screen, usually by means of a series of mirrors, where they are readily visible.

The tape fed from the ticker or printer i moved intermittently and to render the indicia projected on the screen more readily readable, it is necessary to convert the intermittent movement of the tape intoa continuous movement hetween the lens and the light source. Likewise, it is necessary to provide a tape takeup means which is usually made responsive to operation of the ticker or printer so that the tape will be drawn smoothly through the projector and at the same time will not be `broken by continued operation of the takeup device when the ticker or printer stops.'

Numerous means have been suggested for converting the intermittent movement of the tape into continuous movement, of which the bestknown means includes a finger for forming a loop in the rtape between the projector and the ticker and responsive to the movement of the tape for controlling operation of the takeup device. A braking element is also provided for exerting tension on the tape to cause it to move smoothly .and continuously through the projector. The ticker and the projection equipment are usually mounted in. a housing, which emits considerable noise by reason of the operation of the printing and ap-purtenant mechanism, and the lamp required for adequately illuminating the screen also emits considerable heat which is not dissipated, except by ordinary radiation.

The screen on which the images of the tape indicia are projected usually is a translucent fabric, which is stretched tightly to form a smooth surface. Such screens have excellent light-transf mitting properties and are generally more satisfactory than glass screens. However, during humid Weather, they absorb moisture and often stretch or Wrinkle so that they no longer form a flat surface and, as a consequence, distortion or diiusion of the projected image occurs.

We have discovered means for simplifying the 'construction of such projectors and for overcoming the tendency of the projection screen to become distorted and for also permitting variation in the size of the projected image as the purpose or environment of the projector demands.

An object of the invention, accordingly, is to provide a simpliiied means for causing the rtape to move smoothly and continuously through a projection device.

Another object of the invention is to reduce -the noise of operation of -the mechanism and reduce the emission of heat by utilizing it for maintaining the projection screen taut and smooth.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for adjusting the projection device to project diflerent sizes of images as may be desired and for regulating the focus of the device so that sharp images may at all times be obtained.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for maintaining the screen in adry condition and for preventing dust or other material from accumulating in the projection device whereby decrease in the sharpness and brightness of the projected images is avoided.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from' the description of a typical form of projector embodying the present invention.

One phase of our invention resides in the discovery that .the ordinary paper or Cellophane ticker tape bears a charge of static electricity which is developed during the manufacture of the tape, or which can be developed during the movement of the tape through a special projector, and that such electrically charged tape will adhere to dielectricI material.

We have utilized this phenomenon in order to cause the tape to move smoothly during projection and to maintain it at in the focal plane of the projection lens whereby sharp focusing of the indicia. on the tape, as well as conversion of the intermittent movement of the tape to continuous movement is assured.

In its general aspects, this phase of the invention, therefore, includes the provision of a sheet of transparent dielectric material such as for eX- ample, glass, Lucite, or Cel1uloid, between the light source andv the projection lens over which the tape is passed and to which it adheres to cause the tape to be held flat, taut and to move continuously during operation of the ticker.

The provision of a sheet of transparent dielechighly heated and might ignite or scorch the tape, if they are in contact. Furthermore, the lens is formed of comparatively soft glass and may be easily scratched and thereby reduced in efficiency by contact with the moving tape, Inasmuch as such lenses are expensive, it is apparent that contact between the tape and lens should be avoided.

Another phase of the invention consists in providing a projection screen, associated mirrors, and a projection lens which are adjustable in order to assure sharpness of the projected image, whereby the screen can be moved nearer to or farther from the tape to allow the size of the image to be adjusted. A typical form of adjusting means includes adjustable or replaceable standards for supporting the screen and an adjustable bracket in which the lens is supported slidably and dctachably to permit ready focusing and replacement with lenses of greater or lesser focal length.

Thus, if the device is to be used in, for example, a brokers oice where a large image is not required, the screen may be placed closer to the projector and a correspondingly smaller image produced. For larger images, the screen may be spaced a greater distance from the projecting lens or a shorter focal length lens used to produce the desired size of image.

An additional phase of the invention resides in the provision of an air cleaning and circulating system whereby air may be drawn through the housing for the light source of the projector to cool the llight source and to deliver air heated by the light source to the projection screen for maintaining the latter in a dry and taut condition. The circulated air is passed through a labyrinth Where the dust normally carried by the air is largely removed and deposition of dust on the mirrors and other lighttransmitting or refleeting surfaces is avoided.

A preferred form of device embodying the invention is provided with heat and sound insulating means, -which reduce operating noises and prevent the projection device from radiating heat outwardly on the observers of the device. The air circulating system removes the heat from the device and directs it upwardly overlthe heads of the observers as it passes from the screen housing.

The various features of our invention set forth generally above, cooperate to form a smoothlyoperating, compact and highly efficient projector which requires little attention and which needs to be cleaned and adjusted only rarely.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a typical form of projection device embodying the invention shown partly in section to disclose details thereof; Y

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2--2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view in section taken on line. 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view in section taken on line 4 4` of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a` tape pulling device, shown partly in section and partly broken away;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view in vertical section of the tape support and lens of the device disclosed in Figure 1;

Figure '1 is a view in vertical section of a detail of the support for the projection screen and mirror housing; and

Figure 8 is a view in section of a resilient mount or cushion for the projection apparatus.

A typical form of stock quotation projector including the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1 and includes a' cabinet I0 in which is supported a stock quotation ticker I2 of known form, a projection apparatus I3 and a tape pul1- ing mechanism I4. The cabinet I consists of a box-like member having therein a bottom partition I5, an intermediate partition I6 and baille plates I1 and I8 interposed between the partitions I and I6.` The compartment formed by the partition I6 and the side and top walls ol the Cabinet I0 are provided with heat insulating and sound deadening material I9 which reduces the noise of operation of the ticker and tape pulling mechanisms to a minimum, and reduces the heat radiated outwardly by the projector apparatus I3. The top of the cabinet I0 is provided with a door through which access may be had to the interior of the cabinet. The door includes a transparent section 20a in alignment with the projection device I3.

Supported on the top of the cabinet I0 by means of a plurality of pipes 2I is Aa housing 22 for a projection screen 23 and a pair of mirrors 24 and 25 (best shown in Figure 2) which reflect onto the screen 23 the image of the tape A.

In order to reduce the sound and vibration resulting from operation of the ticker I2 and the tape puller I4, these elements, together with the projector I3 are supported on a common base plate 26 which is in turn supported on the intermediate partition I6 by means of shock absorbing mounts -or cushions 21`, best shown in Figure 8. Ashock absorbing mount 21 consists of a rubber annulus 28 supported in a cup-shaped element 29 which is secured to the partition I6 by bolts or in any other suitable way. Another cup-shaped element 30 is secured in the lrubber annulus 28 and receives the head of a bolt 3| which is provided with a series of lock nuts 32 for locking connected by means of a belt the bolt in cup-shaped element 30 and locking the platform 26 to the bolt 3I.

In the form of the invention illustrated, the ticker I2 prints indicia on a tape A and feeds it outwardly with an intermittent movement. The tape A is passed under a roller 33 on the end of an arm 34 (Figures 1 and 6). The arm 34 is supported on a shaft 35 which is rotatable in a bracket 36 projecting outwardly from a housing 31 forming a part of the projection device I3. Ihe shaft 35 carries a mercury switch 38 which 1s electrically connected to a solenoid 39 (Figure 5) which controls operation of the tape puller I4.

'Ihe tape puller I4, best shown in Figures 1 and 5, includes a motor 40 supported on a base 4I and a framework 42 consisting of a series of angle iron elements. A pair of parallel shafts 43 and. on which are mounted respectively a tape pullingroller 45 anda tape receiving reel 46, are Journaled in the frame 42. 'Ihe shaft 43 is provided with a worm gear 41 which is connected to a sleeve 41a by means of a friction clutch 48. The clutch 48 includes the friction discs 49 and a spring 5I) which urges the discs against opposite sides of the worm gear 41. The Worm gear 41 is driven by means of a worm 5I which is supported on the shaft 52 of the motor 40. The right hand end of the shaft 43, as viewed in Figure 5, is provided with a pulley 53 which is 54 to a pulley 55 which is fastened to the shaft 44. The pulley 55 includes a pair of discs 56 and 51, having curved adjacent surfaces. The disc 51 is provided with a collar 58 which is pinned to the shaft 44. The disc 56 is keyed to the shaft 44 but is slidable axially thereof. A spring 59 normally urges the disc 56 towards the disc 51. The left hand end of the spring 59 bears against an internally threaded collar 68 which receives an externally threaded sleeve 6I having a radially directed fiange 62 at the left hand end thereof. The sleeve 62 is fixed to the shaft 44 by means of a set screw 63 and the internally threaded collar 60 may be screwed either to the left or to the right to vary the pressure of the spring 59 against the disc 55, thereby effectively varying the radial distance to which the belt may pass between the discs 56 and 51, and controlling not only the speed of rotation of the reel 46 but forming a slip connection to compensate for increase in effective peripheral speed of the reel during operation.

The tape A is retained in frictional engagement with and moved by the tape pulling roller 45 by means of a pressure roller 64 which is supported on an arm 65 that is pivotally connected to the frame 42. The roller 64 is retained in frictional engagement with the tape A by means of a spring 66 whichis connected to the arm 65 and the frame 42. A guide roller 61 may be interposed between the tape pulling roller 45 and the takeup reel 46 and is rotatably mounted on a shaft 68 projecting""'o1twardly from the frame 42.

During operation of the ticker, as previously indicated, the tape A is fed outwardly intermittently, passed beneath the roller 33, across the top. of the projector I3, under a tape pulling roller 45 and upwardly to the takeup reel 46 which is, together with the takeup roller 45,

driven by the motor 40. So long as a loop of predetermined length is maintained between the ticker I2 and the projector I3, the mercury switch 38 is maintained in open circuit position and the motor 40 drives the tape pulling roller 45 and the takeup reel 46. However, when the ticker slows down or stops, the tape pulling roller 45 tends to decrease the length of the loop in which the roller 33 on the switch arm 34 rides and rotates the switch arm 34 and switch 38 in a counterclockwise direction, thus closing a circuit through the solenoid 39. The solenoid v39 then attracts a lever 69 which is pivotally connected to a U-shaped bracket 10 which supports the solenoid on the frame 42 and separates a clutch element 1I which is keyed to, but slidable relatively to the sleeve 41a from the clutch element 12 on the pulley 53, thus freeing the shaft 43 and the takeup roller 46 from the motor 4l) which continues to operate. When the ticker I2 again begins to operate and a sufficiently large loop is formed, the mercury switch 38 rocks into a position opening the circuit and deenergizing the solenoid 39, The spring 13 which is interposed between the lever arm 69 and the outer end of the bracket 10, then swings the lever in a counterclockwise direction, clutching the pulley 53 to the worm gear 41 and the drive shaft 43 to the motor, thus causing the tape pulling roller 45 and the takeup 46 to rotate.

The projector I3 which embodies several of the features of our invention, includes within the housing 31 a projection lamp 14, a reflector 15` a pair of condensing lenses 16 and 11, a mirror 18 which directs the beam of light concentrated by the condensers 16 and 11 upwardly through a third concentrating lens 19 and a sheet or platenLglass or other transparent dielectric material which forms a platform over which the tape A passes. The plate 86, as best shown in Figure 6, is provided with beveled edges and serves as a means for maintaining the tape A in a flat condition and for holding it in such a Way as to convert the intermittent movement of the tape as it leaves the ticker I2 into a,

continuous movement as it passes through the projector I3. In order to guide the tape over the sheet 80,'small flanged guide rolls 8| and 82 may be provided at opposite ends of the housing 31.

The sheet of dielectric material 80 has been found to exertI a strong attraction for the tape as it passes thereover, apparently because the tape is electrostatically charged and the sheet 80 being of dielectric material, will tend to take a charge opposite to that of the tape, thereby causing them to adhere. Even when the tape is not previously charged, the friction between it and the plate 88 develops the charge, whereby the tape adheres closely to the plate, requiring a considerable pull to draw it over the plate without the aid of any auxiliary braking or holding means. This adhesion is sufficient to prevent transmission of the intermittent movement of the tape through the projector and thus the tape is moved continuously while held flatly in engagement with the dielectric material and in the focal plane of the lens 83 of the projector. Thus, with this construction, there is no possibility of the tape looping or humping up and thus getting out of focus and causing diffusion or distortion of the image on the screen 23.

The image of the tape A is projected by means of the lens 83 which is detach-ably and slidably supported in a ring 84 at the upper end of the bracket 85, which is adjustably supported on the outside of the housing 31. The bracket 85 may be provided with an arcuate slot 86 for receiving a bolt 81 projecting outwardly from the housing and provided with a wing nut 88. The bracket may be pivotally supported on the housing 31 by means of a pin 89. This construction permits the lens 83 to be rocked in order to properly center the lens with respect to the portion of the tape being projected. Likewise, the lens 83 may be moved upwardly and downwardly in the ring 84 to properly focus the image on the screen 23 and may be removed to permit substitution of lenses of different focal length for use in the projector, thus allowing the size of the image to be decreased or increased as may be desired.

In order to properly direct the image into the screen 23, the mirrors 24 and 25 in the screen housing 22 may be pivotally mounted on shafts 99 and 9|, respectively, which are received in suitable brackets 92 within the housing.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, proper inclination of the mirror 24 may be obtained by means of a slotted link 93 which is pivotally connected to the right hand end of the mirror 24, and may be locked in position by means of a bolt which passed through the slot in the link 93 and nut 94 on the interior of the housing 22. In a similar way, the mirror 25 may be angularly adjusted by means of a pivotally connected link 95 and a lock bolt and nut 96.

In order to ventilate the housing 31 and to cool the lalnp and in addition to maintain taut the projection screen 23, which is suitably formed of a fine mesh silk fabric, we have providedv an air circulation system which causes air to l'pass around the lamp, thereby cooling the lamp and heating the air and which directs the heated air upwardly into the screen `housing 22. This heating and cooling mechanism'includes a motor-driven`fan 91 which is connected to the side of the projector housing 31 and which draws airv upwardly through apertures 93 in the base` of the lamp housing 31 from the interior of the -cabinet I0. The cabinet I0, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, is provided with a vertically extending duct 99 which communicates with the compartyment between the partitions I5 and I6. As indicated previously, the bailles I1 and I0 are disposed between the partitions I5 and I6 and extend partially thereacross from opposite sides of the compartment to form a tortuous passage which communicates with the duct 99 at one end, and the outside atmosphere through the aperture 99a (Figure 3) in the partition |5. The

:ap-moss' in order to vary the space between 'the screen housing 22 and the main housing I0.

From the foregoing description of a typical form of the invention, it will be apparent that we have provided a simple, eflicient type of projector and takeup means for use with stock quotation tickers or printing telegraph apparatuses, and that because'of the insulated and airv conditioned construction thereof, the device will operate quietly and will not require cleaning or adjustment over long periods of time. t

Furthermore, with our construction it is unnecessary to provide mechanical tensioning means for the tape in order to assure smooth continuous movement of the tape through the projector, and because of the control of the tape takeup means there is no danger of breaking or otherwise distorting the tape during projection operfrom the housing and blows it through a conduit |00 into another chamber |0| which is provided with a central baille |02 around which the gases flow into a T-shaped conduit. |03, which communicates with compartments |04 and |05. The compartments |04 and |05 extend transversely of the cabinet I0 at the upper right and left hand comers as viewed in Figure 1, and communicate with the screen chamber 22 through the rear pair of pipes 2| which support the screen chamber in spaced relationship to the cabinet 1| 0. Thus, the heated and cleaned air from the housing 31 is directed upwardly into the screen houstaining it in a dry condition. The mirrors 24 and 25 act as baiiles to direct vthe ,heated air upon the screen 23 and cause a circulation of the air through the housing 22 which prevents dust .from the atmosphere from accumulating or settling on the screen or mirrors.

The air circulating system has the additional advantage of removing heated air from near the floor where the cabinet is disposed and from I 1. In a device for projecting indicia printed on ation.

It will be understood that there can be many variations made in the details of the device and that the shape and form of the housing, the proportions of the screen and spacing thereof `from the projection device can be varied asmay be desired, without departing from the invention.

Likewise, the type of lamp Ihousing and condensing lens construction can be varied such as by providing vertically disposed projection sys.- tem, rather than one in which the lamp housing is disposed at right angles to the axis of the lens, vsuch changes being within the scope of the invention. Therefore, 'the form of the invention described above should be considered as illustrative only and not as limiting the scope of the following claims.

a tape by a stock quotation ticker, the combinaing 22, thereby heating the screen 23 and mainwhere the screen 23 is being viewed and directing it upwardly toward the ceiling, thereby preventing discomfort to the observers, which might be caused by the heat of the light source.

The Apipes 2| which act as conduits for the heated air and also support the screen housing 22, are adjustable with relation to the housing lI0 and are likewise replaceable so that the spacing between the screen and housing 22 of the main housing I0 may be varied at will.

As shown in Figures 1 and 7, each pipe 2| is provided with a anged split sleeve |06 which rests upon the top of the housing I0. `The lower` chamber I0.v It will be understood that the flanged sleeve |06, if desired, may be slid along .the pipe 2| to the desired extent so as to permit a limited range of adjustment and that pipes 2| ofdiiferent lengths may be'substituted at will tion of a cabinet, a' projector in said cabinet comprising a housing for a source of light, a lens and a support for said tapeinterposed between said said cabinet and means for cooling the source oi? light and maintaining said screen dry comprising a labyrinth communicating with said housing for said light source and said hollow members and means for drawing air from the exterior of the cabinet through said labyrinth to separate dust from the air, through said housing for said light source to cool the latter and directing the warmed air through the hollow members into the housing for said screen to maintain said screen dry and taut.

2. In a device for projecting on a screen lmages of indicia printed on a tape by a stock quotation ticker, the combination of a cabinet, a

projector in said cabinet comprising a housing for a light source communicating with the interior of the cabinet, a housing having a fabric screen on which images are projected, a conduit connecting the interiors of said housings, a comv partment in said cabinet forming a labyrinth communicating with the interior and the exterior of the cabinet, means for drawing air from the exterior of the cabinet through said labyrinth to separate dust therefrom, into the interior of the cabinet, through the housing for the light source and into the housingA for the screen to cool the light sourceand maintain the screen dry.

3. The device set forth in claim 2 comprising inclined mirrors in said housing for alight source for reecting images projected by said projector onto said screen, said mirrors being supported and arranged in said housing to direct air delivered through said conduit across said screen.

4. The device set forth in claim 2 comprising a. labyrinth interposed between said housing for alight source and said conduit for removing dust from the air prior to delivery to said housing for .said screen.

SAMUEL S. AUCHINCLOSS. CLARENCE A. WOODRUFF. 

